State of Palestine

Since 2007, the siege of Gaza's territory contributed to the development of a non-sustainable economy, dependant on foreign aid and underground trade. The closure of the tunnels for imports from Egypt in July 2013 hampers the few remaining drivers of economic growth in the Gaza strip.

Moreover, the closure of tunnels and the related shortage of imported goods, particularly fuels, triggered price increases, and the withholding of public sector salaries, the bans on exports and the reduction of economic activities have resulted in an increase of unemployment.

According to estimates, 50,000 to 60,000 additional people may require food assistance due to complete tunnel closure and with the escalation of unemployment household food insecurity in Gaza is susceptible to further increases.